News

Registration opens to Junior Gaels Football players, coaches

Jan 5, 2019 12:29 PM

Cindie Ashton

43 former GMen played University football in 2018

January 5, 2019 (Updated March 10) – Online registration is now open for players and coaches wanting to try out to become part of the Junior Gaels Football Club (formerly known as the Limestone District Grenadiers) for the upcoming 2019 season.

Tryouts take place March 16, 17 and 23, 24 at Richardson Stadium, following winter conditioning camps.

The Junior Gaels will kick-off the season with its AAA senior varsity (2000, 2001, 2002) and junior varsity (2003, 2004) teams on Saturday, May 11 at Carleton University against the Ottawa Sooners. The home opener against the Durham Dolphins is May 18 at Richardson Stadium.

“Our winter condition camp begins soon with tryouts for all age levels starting in March,” said Junior Gaels Football president Alexandra Reyes-Walsh. “We still have a few coaching positions to fill between now and then,.”

Junior Gaels players also receive free admission to all Queen’s Gaels sporting events and can take advantage special programming at the Athletic and Recreation Centre (ARC).

Based in Kingston, Ontario the Junior Gaels aims to attract top athletes from Trenton and Brockville to play for the Junior Gaels, part of the Ontario Provincial Football League (OPFL). “But if you live beyond this area and would like to play Junior Gaels Football we’d love to see what you can bring to field,” added Reyes-Walsh.

To register now and view the complete season schedule, visit www.JrGaelsFootball.ca. Uniforms, helmet, shoulder pads and transportation to/from away games are included in the registration fee.

In addition to learning, playing and enjoying football, emphasis is placed on player safety, sportsmanship, self-discipline, teamwork, academic achievement and community involvement. Achievements of GMen alumnae are a testament to that fact. In the past few weeks, three players from the 2018 squad have already committed early to play university football next fall. They include defensive lineman Braden Hart (York Lions), offensive lineman Angus O’mara (Carleton Ravens) and wide receiver Tommy Pendergast (Queen’s Gaels). More player commitments are expected to continue through 2019.

The GMen have a rich history of moving players on to all levels. 43 former players were listed on OUA and AUS rosters during the 2018 season.

The Junior Gaels Football Club continues to rely on support from the community and corporate sponsors to help offset costs to keep local football affordable for players and their families. Costs associated with running the three teams (bantam, junior and senior) include supplying equipment to all players, field and facility rentals, insurance, travel expenses, paying the team trainers and field officials, league fees and so much more.

“With your help registration fees can be kept as low as possible to encourage these athletes to remain active in football,” added Reyes-Walsh.